Due to worldwide spread of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a pandemic has been announced by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. In response to the pandemic, IFCC (International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) has established a global taskforce on COVID-19. The aim of the taskforce is to provide up-to-date information on population screening, diagnosis, biosafety guidelines for clinical laboratories, and biochemical monitoring of hospitalized patients with COVID-19.
On March 26, 2020 the IFCC published a list of laboratory tests for monitoring patients with COVID-19 (IFCC Information Guide on COVID-19; published Thursday, March 26: https://www.ifcc.org/ifcc-news/2020-03-26-ifcc-information-guide-on-covid-19/). Besides hematology and coagulation, the list also contains specific clinical chemistry tests for the biochemical monitoring of patients with COVID-19.
In addition to the laboratory tests for monitoring patients with COVID-19 the guide highlights the fact that children with COVID-19 have different laboratory profiles compared to adult patients. A recent publication recommends the use of c-reactive protein and procalcitonin for the assessment of severe infections in pediatric patients [1]. However, due to lack of pediatric information and characteristics it is generally not recommended to interpret pediatric laboratory results based on known adult trends.
A free webinar on the IFCC COVID-19 guidelines on molecular, serological and biochemical/hematological testing was broadcasted on September 23, 2020. The content is available for registered participants; a subsequent free registration is possible. Follow the link to register and to receive the important information on laboratory tests for monitoring patients with COVID-19: https://www.workcast.com/Register?cpak=6827351465814213
For further information on the “IFCC Information Guide on COVID-19”, please refer to the IFCC website: https://www.ifcc.org/ifcc-news/2020-03-26-ifcc-information-guide-on-covid-19
References
- Henry BM, Lippi G, Plebani M. Laboratory abnormalities in children with novel coronavirus disease 2019. Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM). 2020 Mar 16. PMID: 32172227